The failed attempts to deal with local matters at the national level caused, in 1992, the reintroduction of panchayats for their previously used purpose as an organisation for local self-governance.[1] There are about 250,000 gram panchayats in India.[2][3]

The gram panchayat is divided into wards and each ward is represented by a Ward Member, also referred to as a Panch, who is directly elected by the villagers.[5] The panchayat is chaired by the president of the village, known as a Sarpanch. The term of the elected representatives is five years. The Secretary of the panchayat is a non-elected representative, appointed by the state government, to oversee panchayat activities.[6]